Hayley Long

Along with spreading the word about Special Olympics, Hayley intends to use her Global Messenger status to help her get into coaching other athletes, no matter what their experience level.

"Even if they don't have any skills or don't know much about sport, I'll teach them that as long as they try their best, that's all that matters," says Hayley, who takes part in athletics and soccer with Special Olympics Canterbury.

Sport has always played a big part in Hayley's life. Her parents, Wendy and Warren, are keen sportspeople who encouraged their three children to keep fit from a young age.